Interpretation of tax law in cases involving commercial entities: Opportunities to exchange best practices in the area of corporate social responsibility regulation

Abstract

The article aims to develop a correct understanding of the essence and implications of the basic principles and legal provisions governing tax matters, as well as to form an insight into their evolutionary transformations on the basis of the exchange of relevant best practices between Ukraine and other countries. Relying on methods of comparative review, as well as methods of systematic review and standard techniques of text analysis, the author covers theoretical and practical issues related to the balanced combination of literal and intentional interpretation of tax legislation provisions, in dubio pro tributario in the interpretation of tax laws and question of reasonable cause and good faith of taxpayers. It is noted, in particular, that common law countries and continental legal systems are united by a tendency towards a balanced combination of literal and purposive interpretation. It is emphasized in the conclusions that, along with the literal wording of tax law provisions, the purpose of their introduction and the general principles of tax law are taken into account. Moreover, in some countries, reference to the intention of the legislators is even allowed.